The widely accepted answer is that the Prophet Muhammad is regarded as the founder of Islam in most historical and academic sources.

Core answer

  • Historians and reference works describe Muhammad (born around 570 CE in Mecca, died 632 CE in Medina) as the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qur’an.
  • In Islamic belief, he is the final prophet (often called the “Seal of the Prophets”), chosen to receive and convey God’s revelation, which became the Qur’an.

Religious vs historical viewpoint

From a historical / academic perspective:

  • Scholars say Islam began in early 7th‑century Arabia with Muhammad’s prophetic mission and the first revelations around 610 CE in Mecca.
  • Because he preached the new faith, formed the first Muslim community, and led it politically and spiritually, he is described as the founder of Islam.

From a Muslim theological perspective:

  • Muslims believe Islam is the same pure monotheism taught earlier by prophets such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, so in that sense Muhammad did not “invent” a new religion but restored the original religion of God.
  • However, they still recognize him as the final messenger whose teachings and example, together with the Qur’an, define Islam as practiced today.

Quick timeline snapshot

  • c. 570 CE: Muhammad is born in Mecca.
  • 610 CE: Begins receiving revelations through the angel Gabriel, marking the birth of Islam as a distinct religious movement.
  • 622 CE: Emigration (Hijra) to Medina and formation of the first organized Muslim community and state.
  • 632 CE: Muhammad dies in Medina, leaving behind a united Arabian community following Islam.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.